Improvement in shoemakers  foot-measures



*William Wi "1% ow.

lmxn' Tn Mem uvm-g )Cee forBoos cm Shoes. No. 118,414, Patented Aug.` 22, 18.71.

UNITED STATES WILLIAM WILSON, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN SHOEMAKERS FOOT-MEASURES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 118,414, dated August 22, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM WILSON, of Boston, in the county of Suffolk and State of Mas sachusetts, have invented an Improved Apparatus for Taking Foot-Measurements for Boots and Shoes; and I do hereby declare that the following, taken in connection with the drawing which accompanies and forms part of this specification, is a description of my invention, sufficient to enble those skilled in the art to practice it.

My invention relates to an improved apparatus for taking measurements of the human foot for use in making' boots and shoes; and it consists in a system of lateral straps or scales with their fastenngs, a sole-scale, and a sole-plate, relatively arranged, as hereinafter set forth, and also in a locater, combined with either of the straps. A

The drawing represents a foot-measuring apparatus embodying my invention.

a denotes the central or longitudinal scale; b, c, d, and e, the lateral scales. The scale a is provided with a series of loops, j', through which loops the strap-scales b, c, d, and e pass, the loops being so formed that the straps retain their position relatively to the length of the strap, or their relative position as to distance apart. The scale a is marked with suitable inch-divisions and subdivisions thereof, and each strap is made with similar divisions, and has a slot, g, through which a screw, l1., passes,'a thumb-nut, i, on the screw serving to clamp the parts of the strap together.

In using the apparatus the foot is placed in v the center or sole-scale, in correct position for the measurement of the length of the foot thereupon. Then the straps are passed around the foot, as

indicated in the drawing, and the two ends of each, being drawn tightly together, are fastened by the thumb-nut and screw, and, all the straps being fastened, the person stands upon the strapped foot and presses hard against all the straps, each or any of them being then adjusted, or tightened or loosened, as the wearer may suggest, until, in his opinion, each its as he wishes the boot to fit at a corresponding point. The .measurement is then taken from each strap, together with the position upon the sole-scale at which each strap is fastened. Between the sole-scale and the foot there may be a sole-plate, k, to which the solestrap is fastened, the foot to be measured being placed in position upon this plate. Opposite to any bunion or excrescence upon the foot a hole may be punched in the strap, and a locater, l, fastened thereto, said locate-r having long flex` ible points m, which may be bent to the size of the excrescence, so that in making the boot or shoe provision may be made for preventing undue pressure of the leather thereupon.

The sole-plate f is necessary, as without it the lateral straps hug too closely4 to the under part of the foot, the sole of a boot never being sufiiciently flexible to it as closely to the sole of the foot.

I claim- 1. The sole-scale a, lateral scales b c d e, with their i'astenings, and the sole-plate f, relatively arranged, substantially as shown and described.

2. In combination with either of the straps, the locater Z, substantially as described.

WILLIAM WILSON.

Witnesses:

FRANCIS GoULn, S. B. KIDDEE. 

